Understanding Critical Delay Causative Factors and Their Mitigation Measures in Burundi Communal Construction Projects: A Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The execution of a construction project faces many potentials challenges, and delays are one of them. Communal construction projects in Burundi (CCP-Burundi projects) were considered as one field that could generate a Burundi government development plan. However, according to the frequency of delays encountered by these projects, at a rate of 70% on average every year, the government's target seems far from being achieved. As no scientific study exists on how to avoid CCP delays, this paper aims to identify and analyze factors that cause delays in CCP-Burundi and provide related measures to overcome them. Based on a list of fifty delay factors gathered from the National Communal Investment Fund institution FONIC (Fond National d'Investissement Communal), communal annual reports, and the literature, a questionnaire survey was developed and dispersed to CCP stakeholders to collect data about critical factors. The top fifteen factors were identified using a relative importance index and a factor analysis was performed. "Weather conditions" was the top-ranked factor, while "Claims" was the lowest ranked. A structural equation modeling approach was adopted to evaluate influences at the relationship level among delay factor groups. A standardized calculation revealed that Factors During Awarding of Bid (FDABs) positively influence Factors After the Award of Bid (FAABs). The findings were implemented in case studies to assess their efficacy. This paper's findings could assist upcoming construction practitioners and future researchers aiming to explore construction-related project delays, providing a fundamental understanding of the significant delays encountered in the Burundi construction industry.